New alternatives for improving and assessing the color of dark-cutting beef - a review

Author(s)

de Sousa Ribeiro, Caio Cesar ^[1] ; Contreras-Castillo, Carmen Josefina ^[1] ; dos Santos-Donado, Priscila Robertina ^[1] ; Venturini, Anna Cecilia ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, ESALQ, Dept Agroind Alimentos & Nutr, Av Padua Dias 11, Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Farmaceut, R Sao Nicolau 210, Diadema, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Scientia Agricola; v. 79, n. 1 2022.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Myoglobin (Mb) is a sarcoplasmic heme protein present in muscle cells, which acts as a short-term oxygen (O-2) reserve in the muscle tissue. After slaughtering and exsanguination, Mb is the major pigment that provides the red color in meat. The concentration of Mb together with its redox state are two pivotal factors that determine meat color. The elevated pH of dark-cutting beef can affect both physical and biochemical properties resulting in decreased oxygenation. The darkening observed in high ultimate pH (pH(u)) beef concerns meat processors as color is the initial attribute that impacts on the purchase. Thus, any atypical meat color (i.e., loss of brightness) reduces consumer interest in the product. Several studies have demonstrated that immunological castration is effective in preventing both aggressive behavior and undesirable dark-cutting of bull meat. However, little information is available on the effects of processing techniques that limit the oxidation of ferrous iron (Fe2+), Mb or promote metmyoglobin (MMb) reduction in dark-cutting beef. Because of the importance of color to fresh beef marketability, this review aimed at overviewing the significance of pH(u) in beef color and color stability and to discuss new alternatives for improving and assessing the beef color of dark-cutting beef, especially in Nellore bulls and their crossbreds, which are widely used in beef cattle production in Brazil. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/18346-7 - Beef quality in Bos indicus cattle - biological markers for meat attributes in different ultimate pH ranges
• Grantee: Priscila Robertina dos Santos Donado
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/26667-2 - Beef quality in Bos indicus cattle: biological markers for meat attributes in different ultimate pH ranges
• Grantee: Carmen Josefina Contreras Castillo
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants